Sunday October 4th the Pondy Restaurant and Bar closed for good. Steve Overton and his son Riley, have owned and operated the business for the past eight years. Overton has worked in the restaurant business his whole life and also owns a general contracting business in Rochester.
Increasing costs were given as the reasons for the decision to close as expenses have increased while business has declined. The Pondy had a staff of five employees, which was half of the number during the past years when business was good. Winter hours have not been profitable as lack of snow has stopped the snowmobile traffic which was previously a mainstay for business during the cold months. He also credited ASCAP fees for performing bands as becoming a liability for live music venues.
Overton does not rule out opening another restaurant in the Rochester area in the near future.
